I concur with your response. The Spirit must FIRST set the table in one's spirit by the Spirit and ONLY then the mental attitude, knowledge and wisdom takes root and grows to maturity...this the intellectualism of a believer that the Spirit desires....I forgot to add this critical point you made here DNB...quite astute of youHi @Cristo Rei , if I may offer my opinion too. First, disregard waitingforhim's remark, it was more confusing than enlightening.
What APAK stated above, is, I trust, 100% correct, as far as the branch of Christianity known as Intellectualism is concerned.
But, after a few exchanges with the OP, and APAK may correct me if necessary, is that the OP is comparing the differences between a simple head-knowledge of Christ i.e. just understanding all the mechanics and doctrines of the faith, that pertains to the rationality of it, against that of a spiritual encounter and insight. Possibly, it may also refer in principle to the Reformed doctrine of prevenient grace, that is, man in his fallen state cannot comprehend spiritual matters, and thus, God must endow one with the Spirit before a conversion can take place?
Either way, the controversy lies between one having a mere theological understanding, as opposed to one who feels that the Spirit has somehow inspired them to accept the Gospel, and the character change that comes with the Spirit's power. ...if I'm not mistaken?
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APAK